Slipper with Adjustable Heel Strap

ABSTRACT

A slipper includes a sole, a vamp, and a strap that extends from one side of the vamp to the other. The strap has a generally curved shape with an upper arc, lower arc, and rounded first and second ends. The ends of the strap are connected with the vamp such that the strap is positionable in either a rearward position or a forward position. In the rearward position, the strap supports the heel or ankle of a user. In the forward position, the strap is a vamp cuff. In some versions the strap may be detachable from the vamp altogether. Thus users can choose which strap configuration they desire. In some versions the strap is rotatably positionable and in some other versions the strap is detachable and re-attachable for positioning.

PRIORITY

This application claims priority from the disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/230,209, entitled “SLIPPER WITH ADJUSTABLE HEEL STRAP,” filed Jul. 31, 2009, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Slippers include items of footwear that typically protect a user's feet and/or keep the user's feet comfortable. Slippers come in various designs that include slippers with an open-heel, slippers with a closed-heel, slippers with an open-toe, and slippers with a closed-toe. While a variety of slippers exist, it is believed that no one prior to the inventor(s) has made or used an invention as described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims which particularly point out and distinctly claim the invention, it is believed the present invention will be better understood from the following description of certain examples taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like numerals represent like elements throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary slipper, shown with a strap rotated to a rearward position to support a user's heel.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the slipper of FIG. 1, shown with the strap rotated to a forward position as a vamp cuff

FIG. 3 depicts a side view of another exemplary slipper, shown having a vent formed in the vamp of the slipper.

FIG. 4 depicts a top view of a detached strap of an exemplary slipper.

FIG. 5 depicts a side view of another exemplary slipper, shown having an adjustable-length strap.

FIG. 6 depicts a side view of another exemplary slipper, shown having a hooded-back to support a user's heel.

The drawings are not intended to be limiting in any way, and it is contemplated that various embodiments of the invention may be carried out in a variety of other ways, including those not necessarily depicted in the drawings. The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention; it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of certain examples should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the versions disclosed herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description, which is by way of illustration, one of the modes contemplated for carrying out the invention. As will be realized, the versions described herein are capable of other different and obvious aspects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a slipper (10) comprises a sole (12) a vamp (14), and a strap (16). Soles for slipper and other footwear are well-known. Sole (12) may be of any type or design typically used with slippers or shoes primarily intended for indoor use, of course outdoor soles could be used instead. In the illustrated version sole (12) includes an outsole (18) and an insole (20). Outsole (18) represents the portion of sole (12) that would face the ground and/or extend perpendicular to the ground and be viewable from the side when slipper (10) is positioned as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Outsole (18) can be constructed of a moldable material, e.g ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), poly vinyl chloride (PVC), etc. Of course, outsole (18) may be constructed from other materials, molded and not molded, such as other plastics, polymers, rubbers, fabrics, leather, suede, etc. Outsole (18) can be contoured and may have a variety of desired shapes. Outsole (18) may further have various desired tread designs.

Insole (20) represents the portion of sole (12) that would face the underside of a user's foot when slipper (10) is being worn. Insole (20) may be comprised of a fabric, suede, leather, felt, cotton, velour, Thinsulate™, or other natural, synthetic, or blended materials known in the art for placement over the outsole. In the illustrated versions, insole (20) is comprised of a soft material that is comfortable and provides thermal insulation. Insole (20) can be contoured to have a variety of desired shapes and generally a shape corresponding to the shape of outsole (18). In some versions, insole (20) may be comprised of a tufted foam as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,010,870, entitled “TUFTED FOAM INSOLE AND TUFTED FOOTWEAR,” issued on Mar. 14, 2006, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Still in some versions outsole (18) and insole (20) may be comprised of a single piece made of the same material. Based on the teachings herein, other various designs and constructions for sole (20) for use with slipper (10) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Vamp (14) can be connected to insole (20) around the perimeter of insole (20). In the illustrated versions of FIGS. 1 and 2, vamp (14) is sewn directly to the material of insole (20). However, vamp (14) may be attached to insole (20), or even outsole (18), by any attachment mode known in the art. For example, in some versions vamp (14) can be mechanically and/or chemically bonded to sole (20), for instance by using fasteners and/or one or more adhesives.

Vamp (14) can be configured to cover a user's instep when the user's is wearing slipper (10). Vamp (14) comprises an inward facing side (17), an outward facing side (19) opposite inward facing side (17), and a top facing side (21). As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, vamp (14) comprises a closed-toe configuration such that both a user's toes and instep are covered by vamp (14) when the user wears slipper (10). Of course in other versions, vamp (14) may be designed with an open-toe such that a user's toes are visible, with vamp (14) still covering the instep of a user's foot.

Vamp (14) can be constructed of a synthetic fabric, e.g. a fleece material. Of course other materials—natural, synthetic, or blends thereof—may be used for vamp (14). For example, in some versions vamp (14) may be comprised of cotton or a cotton-blend fabric. Still in other versions, vamp (14) may be constructed from suede, leather, felt, velour, woven fabrics, nonwoven fabrics, drapable fabrics, or other materials known in the art, etc. In some versions, vamp (14) can be comprised of a resilient fabric material that provides elastic properties. In the alternative or in addition to providing resiliency to vamp (14) by using a resilient fabric, e.g. LYCRA® fabric, resiliency could be provided by using elastics strands or bands with a resilient or non-resilient fabric.

The materials used for vamp (14) may include patterns, either decorative, functional, or both. In some versions vamp (14) may include a diamond-shaped stitching pattern, while in other versions vamp (14) may include a seasonal pattern. While the patterns of the materials for vamp (14) may be pleasing to a user or purchaser, it will be appreciated that such elements may also incorporate functional benefits. For instance, a stitching imparted on a material may help vamp (14) retain its shape, or it may help strengthen vamp (14) generally or at precise locations where strength is desired—e.g. points of attachment where vamp (14) connects to one or more other components of slipper (10).

Vamp (14) has a generally rounded shape. However, in other versions vamp (14) may have a different general shape. For instance, the degree of roundedness of vamp (14) may be altered. Similarly, the degree of instep coverage of vamp (14) may be altered. Based on the teachings herein, other designs and constructions for vamp (14) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

As illustrated by an exemplary slipper (100) shown in FIG. 3, vamp (114) comprises one or more vents (115) to provide ventilation to slipper (100). Vent (115) can be positioned on an inward facing side (117) of slipper (100). Of course in other versions vent (115) could be positioned on an outward facing side (not shown), on both inward and outward facing sides, or on a top facing side (121) of vamp (114). Other features of vamp (114) are the same or similar to the features of vamp (14) of slipper (10) as described above. Based on the teachings herein, other designs for vent (115) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. As illustrated in FIG. 3, slipper (100) also comprises strap (16) and sole (12), as described above and below with respect to slipper (10).

As shown in FIGS. 1-2, vamp (14) includes fasteners (24) configured to connect vamp (14) with strap (16). Fasteners (24) are operable to allow strap (16) to pivot relative to the fastening point to vamp (14) as will be discussed further below. In the illustrated version shown in FIGS. 1-2, the fasteners (24) are rivets (26). Of course other fastening types, as discussed further below, may be used. In the illustrated version shown in FIGS. 1-2, rivets (26) are designed to permanently attach strap (16) to vamp (14). However, rivets (26) may instead be designed to be releasable thereby permitting partial or full detachment of strap (16) from vamp (14). In one version vamp (14) includes a protruding post portion of rivet (26) while strap (16) includes a post-receiving portion. In other versions this configuration can be reversed where strap (16) includes the protruding post while vamp (14) includes the post-receiving portion.

In some versions a snap fastener can be used, and vamp (14) includes a portion of the snap fastener while strap (16) includes the corresponding portion of the snap fastener. For example, vamp (14) includes a protruding post of a snap fastener that can be configured to engage a corresponding recess in a post-receiving portion of the snap fastener associated with strap (16). In other versions, the snap fastener configuration can be reversed where vamp (14) includes the post-receiving portion and strap (16) includes the protruding post. In other versions multiple snap fastening attachment points may exist along vamp (14) and/or strap (16) to provide the user with a range of adjustment for strap length by selecting which snap fastener attachment points to use. Also, in some versions multiple fastening mechanisms may be used where one or more snap fasteners can be paired with other fastening techniques, some of which are discussed herein. For example, in some versions a snap fastener may be used on one side of strap (16) and vamp (14) while a rivet (26) may be used on the other side.

In some versions, vamp (14) includes a button fastener. In such versions a button can be configured to engage one or more corresponding buttonholes. Vamp (14) may contain the button while strap (16) may be configured with one or more buttonholes. Providing strap (16) with multiple buttonholes for receiving a button may provide the user with a range of adjustability for strap length. The configuration above may be reversed in some version, where strap (16) includes the button and vamp (14) includes the one or more buttonholes. In other versions, multiple button fasteners may be used, and in still other versions, the one or more button fasteners may be combined with other fastening mechanisms.

In some versions vamp (14) includes one or more hook and loop fasteners for connecting vamp (14) to strap (16). In such versions strap (16) includes the hook component while vamp (14) includes the loop component. However, this arrangement may be reversed as well, having vamp (14) include the hook component while strap (16) includes the loop component. The hook and loop fasteners may provide a detachable fastening system to allow a wearer to adjust the position of strap (16) from a rearward position surrounding a user's heel, to a forward position extending over vamp (14). In still other versions, hook and loop fastening may be used to help maintain the position of strap (16) once a user has selected a desired position. For instance if the user desires strap (16) to be in the forward position over vamp (14), hook and loop may be provided along a middle portion of strap (16) and vamp (14) to help retain strap (16) in that position. In some versions, the hook and loop fastening system may replace the rotatability of strap (16) such that adjustment can be accomplished by unfastening and refastening. In other versions, the hook and loop fastening system would be components of rotatable structures such that strap (16) may be adjusted by rotation or detached if so desired. For instance a portion of rivet (26) may be fitted with hook and loop such that the hook and loop provides the attachment while rivet (26) provides the rotatability.

In some versions one or more post and eyelet fasteners are used to connect vamp (14) with strap (16). By way of example only, and not limitation, a post and eyelet fastener may take the form of a cufflink-style fastener. In some versions a post and eyelet fastener includes a post portion having one or more backing portions on either or both sides of the post. The backing portions are configured to fit through one or more corresponding eyelets in vamp (14) and/or strap (16) thereby providing a secure and rotatable connection. In such versions strap (16) may include the one or more posts while vamp (14) includes the one or more eyelets. However, this arrangement may be reversed as well, having vamp (14) include the one or more posts while strap (16) includes the one or more eyelets.

While various fastening techniques have been described in relation to attaching strap (16) to vamp (14), based on the teaching herein, various modifications to the fastening systems described, and other fastening systems altogether, will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, other fastening structures may be used, other fastening locations may be used, etc. By way of example only, the fastening system may be altered or adapted to attach strap (16) to sidewalls of sole (12) instead of attaching strap (16) to vamp (14).

As referenced above, referring still to FIGS. 1 and 2, slipper (10) includes strap (16) that is secured to vamp (14). Strap (16) includes a first end (28) and a second end (30) as best seen in FIG. 4. First and second ends (28, 30) are fitted with fastening system components as discussed above. In the illustrated version of FIGS. 1-2, strap (16) is secured to vamp (14) by rivets (26) as mentioned previously. More specifically, first and second ends (28, 30) include exterior caps (32) of rivets (26). Corresponding interior caps (not shown) of rivets (26) are located within the interior of slipper (10) defined by vamp (14). Between exterior caps (32) and interior caps is a connecting member (not shown), which passes from exterior cap (32) through strap (16), through vamp (14), and connecting to interior cap to form rivet (26). While the illustrated version of FIGS. 1-2 show strap (16) connected to vamp (14) by rivets (26), any of the other fastening structures discussed above may be used. Further, while the illustrated version shows strap (16) connected to an outer surface of vamp (14), strap (16) may instead be connected to the interior surface of vamp (14), and in that case external caps (32) are presented on the exterior surface of vamp (14) instead of strap (16). While the illustrated version shows fastening system components included near first and second ends (28, 30) of strap (16), in other versions fastening components may be positioned in other locations along strap (16), instead of, or in addition to, near first and second ends (28, 30). For example, strap (16) may include fastening components along a middle portion of strap (16) that may be configured to engage corresponding fastening components along an upper portion of vamp (14) as discussed above. As mentioned previously, in such a version, strap (16) may be selectively secured to vamp (14) when strap (16) is positioned in a forward position as a vamp cuff.

As mentioned above, in the illustrated version of FIG. 1-2, strap (16) is permanently secured to vamp (14). The connection however permits strap (16) to rotate relative to vamp (14) about one or more fastening points. Thus as shown in comparing FIG. 1 to FIG. 2, strap (16) can be positionable in a rearward position as a heel support as shown in FIG. 1, or in a forward position as a vamp cuff. In some other versions, strap (16) can be detachably secured to vamp (14), such that strap (16) can be removed altogether and then repositioned in either the rearward or forward position. In such versions, strap (16) could instead be removed from slipper (10) entirely and left detached if a user preferred no strap (16). Still in other versions, one side of strap (16) can be permanently secured to vamp (14), while an opposite side of strap (16) can be detachably secured to vamp (14).

In the illustrated version of FIG. 1, strap (16) is operably configured for substantially constant contact with a user's heel while permitting rotation of strap (16) when in use. For instance, as a user walks, strap (16) may pivot up and down in rhythm with the user's stride. Such a configuration for strap (16) aides in maintaining slipper (10) in a secure relationship throughout use regardless of whether the user is stationary or moving. In some other versions, strap (16) may be sized such that strap (16) is not in substantially constant contact with a user's heel during use. In such a configuration, strap (16) would act as a safety support that aims to keep slipper (10) on a user's foot when the user's foot has begun to slip out of slipper (10) in a rearward direction.

As best shown in FIG. 4, strap (16) can have a generally arcuate shape having an elongated curved configuration with rounded first and second ends (28, 30). The curve of strap (16) can be defined by an upper arc (36) and a lower arc (38) that merge about rounded first and second ends (28, 30). Upper arc (36) can be longer than lower arc (38). Further upper arc (36) can be positioned furthest from sole (12) when strap (16) is attached and in the rearward position. When strap (16) rotates to the vamp cuff position, the orientation changes with upper arc (36) positioned closest to sole (12). Of course, the orientation of strap (16) and its arcs (36, 38) could be reversed such that upper arc (36) can be shorter than lower arc (38). Also, in some other versions strap (16) can be generally rectangular instead of arcuate in shape.

Strap (16) can be constructed from the same or similar material as that of vamp (14) or insole (20). Of course in some versions strap (16) may be constructed of a different material altogether. Strap (16) can be generally bendable such that it conforms to a user's foot when strap (16) is in the rearward position. Also, the bendable nature of strap (16) provides that strap (16) conforms closely with the upper profile of vamp (14) when strap (16) is rotated to the forward position as a vamp cuff In some versions strap (16) comprises resilient materials that provide elastic properties such that strap (16) provides enhanced conforming ability and range of fit.

As shown in FIG. 5, slipper (200) comprises strap (216) that is adjustable in length. In the illustrated version, strap (216) comprises a central segment (223) and two opposing lateral segments (225) on each side of strap (216). Segments (223, 225) are separated by two opposing attachment members (241) on each side of strap (216). Lateral segments (225) include rivets (26) as discussed above for attachment to vamp (14). Central segment (223) comprises a first end (228) and a second end (230) and central segment (223) is formable into a loop shape by attaching first and second ends (228, 230) via connecting a hook and loop fastening system (227) integrated first and second ends (228, 230) of central segment (223). With this configuration, central segment (223) can be adjusted in length as desired by a user by un-hooking and re-hooking the hook and loop fastening system (227) to a desired size. While the illustrated version in FIG. 5 shows a hook and loop fastening system (227) for strap (16) length adjustment, other ways of adjusting strap (16) may be used. For example, a buckle or other clasp could be used to achieve an adjustable length strap (16). Still yet, as discussed above, strap length adjustability may be provided by using a plurality of fastening points between strap (16) and vamp (14) from which a user can select—such that the user can attach strap (16) at a desired length. In some versions some degree of length adjustment may be achieved by using a resilient material for strap (16) such that strap (16) stretches as discussed above. Furthermore, combinations of these and other ways may be used to achieve length adjustment for strap (16). Based on the teachings herein, other ways to incorporate length adjustment to strap (16) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Numerous features of straps have been discussed above, including shape, connection types to vamps, rotation, interaction with a user in use, materials of construction, adjustable length, etc. Based on the teachings herein, other designs and versions of straps will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

As shown in FIG. 6, slipper (300) comprises strap (16) used in conjunction with hooded-back (313) that extends upward from insole (20) around the rear portion of slipper (300). Hooded-back (313) can be configured such that it provides additional support to a user's heel when slipper (300) is worn. In the illustrated version in FIG. 6, hooded-back (313) extends from vamp (14) around the lower rear portion of slipper (300). Of course in other versions, hooded-back (313) may be separate from vamp (14) entirely. For instance, hooded-back (313) may be attached to insole (20) without connecting to vamp (14). Any of the modes for attaching vamp (14) to insole (20) discussed above may be adapted for attaching hooded-back (313) to insole (20). When in use, slipper (300) provides support to a user's heel from both strap (16) and hooded-back (313). Based on the teaching herein, other versions having strap (16) and hooded-back (313) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

While several slippers and components thereof have been discussed in detail above, it should be understood that the components, features, configurations, and methods of using the slippers discussed are not limited to the contexts provided above. In particular, components, features, configurations, and methods of use described in the context of one of the slippers may be incorporated into any of the other slippers. Furthermore, additional and alternative suitable components, features, configurations, and methods of using the slippers, as well as various ways in which the teachings herein may be combined and interchanged, will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

Having shown and described various versions, further adaptations of the slippers described herein may be accomplished by appropriate modifications by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Several of such potential modifications have been mentioned, and others will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For instance, the examples, versions, geometrics, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps, and the like discussed above are illustrative and are not required. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be considered in terms of whatever claims recite the invention, and is understood not to be limited to the details of structure and operation shown and described in the description. 

1. A slipper comprising: (a) a sole, wherein the sole defines a perimeter; (b) a vamp attached to the sole along a portion of the perimeter defined by the sole, wherein the vamp covers an instep of a user when the slipper is worn by the user, wherein the vamp is comprised of a soft material; and (c) a strap comprising a first end and a second end, wherein each of the first and second ends attach to the vamp, wherein the strap is positionable from a rearward position extending around a heel of the user to a forward position extending around the vamp, wherein the strap is comprised of a soft material.
 2. The slipper of claim 1, further comprising a pair of rivets connecting the first and second ends of the strap to the vamp.
 3. The slipper of claim 2, wherein the strap is rotatable about the pair of rivets from the rearward position to the forward position.
 4. The slipper of claim 2, wherein the vamp comprises a closed-toe.
 5. The slipper of claim 1, wherein the vamp comprises one or more vents.
 6. The slipper of claim 1, wherein the strap has a generally rectangular shape.
 7. The slipper of claim 1, wherein the strap has a generally arcuate shape.
 8. The slipper of claim 7, wherein the strap comprises an upper arc and a lower arc, wherein the upper arc and lower arc converge at the first and second ends of the strap, wherein the lower arc is nearest the sole when the strap is in the rearward position and the upper arc is nearest the sole when the strap is in the forward position.
 9. The slipper of claim 8, wherein the upper arc is greater in length than the lower arc.
 10. The slipper of claim 8, wherein the upper arc and the lower arc are generally parallel.
 11. The slipper of claim 1, wherein the strap is adjustable in length.
 12. The slipper of claim 1, wherein the vamp and the strap are constructed from fleece material.
 13. A slipper comprising: (a) a sole comprising an insole and an outsole, wherein the sole defines a perimeter; (b) a vamp constructed of a soft material, wherein the vamp comprises an inward facing side and an outward facing side, wherein the inward and outward facing sides are sewn to the insole along a portion of the perimeter defined by the sole, wherein the vamp extends from the inward facing side to the outward facing side to cover an instep of a user when the slipper is worn by the user; and (c) a strap constructed of a soft material, wherein the strap comprises a first end, a second end, an upper arc extending from the first end to the second end, and a lower arc extending from the first end to the second end, wherein each of the first and second ends attach to the vamp, wherein the strap is rotatable from a reward position extending around a heel of the user when the slipper is worn by the user to a forward position extending around the vamp.
 14. The slipper of claim 13, wherein the upper arc and the lower arc are generally parallel.
 15. The slipper of claim 13, wherein the upper arc is greater in length than the lower arc.
 16. The slipper of claim 13, wherein the lower arc is nearest the sole when the strap is in the rearward position and the upper arc is nearest the sole when the strap is in the forward position.
 17. The slipper of claim 13, wherein the strap is adjustable in length.
 18. The slipper of claim 13, wherein the strap is configured to be in substantially constant contact with the heel of the user when the slipper is worn by the user.
 19. The slipper of claim 13, wherein the strap is configured to rotate up and down with movement of the user's heel as the user walks when the slipper is worn by the user.
 20. A slipper comprising: (a) a sole comprising an insole and an outsole, wherein the sole defines a perimeter; (b) a vamp constructed of a soft material, wherein the vamp comprises an inward facing side and an outward facing side, wherein the inward and outward facing sides are sewn to the insole along a portion of the perimeter defined by the sole, wherein the vamp extends from the inward facing side to the outward facing side to cover an instep of a user when the slipper is worn by the user; (c) a strap constructed of a soft material, wherein the strap comprises a first end, a second end, an upper arc extending from the first end to the second end, and a lower arc extending from the first end to the second end, wherein each of the first and second ends attach to the vamp, wherein the strap is rotatable from a reward position extending around a heel of the user when the slipper is worn by the user to a forward position extending around the vamp; and (d) a hooded-back constructed of a soft material, wherein the hooded-back is sewn to the insole along a portion of the perimeter defined by the sole, wherein the hooded-back extends upward form the sole to support the heel of the user when the slipper is worn by the user. 